Helvetica turns 50
Every graphic designer knows Helvetica, designed by Max Miedinger (Swiss, 1910-1980), is a clean, honest san serif font. 2007 marks the 50th birthday of this popular typeface. The BBC World Service is hosting an online discussion of all things Helvetica. (Among the posts: "Two fonts walk into the bar and the barman says, "Sorry lads, we don't serve your type.") Veer, a typeface blog, is also asking readers for comments in their Love/Hate Helvetica contest. Not to be outdone, the Walker Art Center is serving up a film on the topic. Directed by Gary Hustwit, Helvetica screens at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on May 31.

A Thursday, May 31 update: I stopped by the Walker Art Center recently. They've added a Friday screening of Helvetica — Thursday's shows are sold out.